Content Warning: This story contains depictions of alleged domestic violence.
Houston Texans safety Jimmie Ward was placed on the commissioner exempt list after he was arrested twice earlier this offseason, the NFL announced on Tuesday.
Ward is not allowed to practice or attend games with the Texans while he’s on the list. It’s unclear how long he will remain there, though he likely will stay there while his criminal charges are active and civil lawsuit is ongoing.
Ward was arrested first in June and charged with felony domestic violence after he allegedly slapped, choked and threatened the mother of his child. Ward also allegedly forced the woman to perform oral sex during the incident early on the morning of June 12. Their 3-year-old child was allegedly present when Ward was assaulting her.
The woman removed herself from the situation as soon as she had the chance and ran into the street naked with her child, which is when she called 911. Ward was arrested, and then released that same afternoon on bond. Since then, he violated his bond agreement twice. He first contacted the woman and then later tested positive for alcohol. The second violation led to Ward being arrested again earlier this month.
The woman has since filed a civil lawsuit against Ward, whom she also accused of drug use, emotional abuse, financial manipulation and death threats. She said in the lawsuit that she was "violently assaulted multiple times, both sexually and physically" by Ward. The woman is seeking $20 million in damages.
Ward, who was voted a team captain in Houston the past two seasons, was first selected by the San Francisco 49ers with the No. 30 overall pick in 2014 out of Northern Illinois. He had 48 total tackles and two interceptions in 10 games last season, but went down with a season-ending foot injury. He has been recovering from that all offseason, and has not yet participated in training camp.
The Texans will open the season on Sept. 7 against the Los Angeles Rams.
Comments